Saint Deiniol's Ash

The Ash was allegedly founded in the early to mid-6th century AD by St Deiniol who, after being shipwrecked in the estuary of the river Dee, planted his ash staff on the site and began to preach the word of God. Several other churches throughout Wales, notably Hawarden in this case, bear his name or were allegedly founded by him as well. The house of St Deiniols Ash is first noted as being owned by the Aldersey family, who were a highly prominent force in the area, at least in the 16–17th centuries. For example, it is likely that the timber-framed core of the current house at the site was built by William Aldersey who died in 1577. By the late 17th century, the house belonged to the…

The house was built in two main periods, the original house, built in the 16th century, and the later 17th-century additions. The main house consists of a large timber-framed, brick building, decorated with close studding and a medium-pitch roof. The later additions include a tall parlour wing, a garderobe tower, and a porch. The interior of the house possesses a number of contemporary 16th-century paintings depicting the life of St Deiniol. These paintings were among the more significant elements of the house in terms of conservation, and were one of the reasons why it received Grade I listed status.